If we were starting new franchises and you had a chance to start your defense with either of these 5 guys (and had yet to determine what D scheme you'd run, 3-4, 4-3, or who your DC would be), how would your draft board look #1-5 among these guys:

I don't get the pleasure of watching either of these two enough, so i'm not going to act like i've seen every game of their seasons, but based on my viewing i would prefer to take Von at this point in time. Don't get me wrong, i'd kill for the Jets to have either player (or a OLB with half their talent), but putting them in a bubble and choosing between the two I have to go with Von. He always seems to grab my attention. Watching the 49ers I find myself noticing Bowman or Justin Smith or X other guys constantly. I can only figure that with all the talent around him that offenses must have a harder time focusing on Smith than they do when playing Von and the Broncos...and he still consistently gets it done.

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Courtesy of Fenikz - Much Appreciated

Quote:

Originally Posted by dRaFtDoRk

You can't be a good corner if no one throws your way. Thats my way of seeing it.

I hated the Von Miller pick initially.. boy was I wrong. You can make the argument, that not only is he the most complete linebacker in football. But the best defensive player as well. I have gotten to watch a good amout of both teams and players. Smith appears to me, to be a pure pass rusher. Miller can rush the passer just as well, but is much more dominate in the run game as well.

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bill belichick quote:
stats are for losers. the final score is for winners.

I'm not disagreeing that Miller has shown to be more impactful in the run game. My question, since I've only seen 3-ish Broncos games this season, is what makes Miller "dominant" against the run, while Smith is just a "pass rusher."?

Remembering that the "additional talent" argument often used to discredit Smith, can also be theorized to benefit Miller, at times. It's a give-and-take.

Since Aldon has been given the chance in his extended role this season as a full time starter, he's been pretty good against the run. Teams are necessarily attacking him assuming he's a liability in that department.

As a Niner fan, gotta go with Von. Aldon benefits so much from having Justin next to him, it's ridiculous.

Perhaps. I'm certain it does "some" of the time. I'm also certain there are times when Aldon would've made a play but Bowman, Willis, Justin, etc made it first. There's good and bad (from an individual's productivity) when surrounded by other talent. Patrick Willis is great example. He is as dominant as ever, but he makes fewer impact plays now that Bowman is beside him. Is it because Willis isn't as good as he was? Of course not.

Reminds me of the MVP debate last season with Rodgers and Brees. Some fans were saying that Rodgers was partly just a part of a unique system once Matt Flynn had his day in the sun against the Lions. Then others were saying Brees benefited from playing in a dome. Too bad they couldn't be co-MVP's like McNair and Manning were in 2003.